Prenuptial Agreement Attorney in Green Bay, Wisconsin

Prenuptial agreements are legally-binding contracts that specify how assets will be divided in the event of a marital dissolution or the death of one spouse. In addition, prenups allow engaged couples to clarify expectations, define each party's responsibilities, and have an honest conversation about the things that matter to them. With a prenuptial agreement, you can prepare for future uncertainties and achieve peace of mind and financial security in your forthcoming marriage. 

If you need proper guidance drafting a prenuptial agreement with your engaged partner, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced Wisconsin family law attorney. Our attorney at Lewis & Van Sickle, LLC has the diligence and expertise to advise and guide clients in marital agreement matters, including prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. We are available to discuss your unique situation, explore your possible options, and guide you through the legal process involved in creating a prenuptial agreement. 

Lewis & Van Sickle, LLC proudly serves clients across Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the surrounding areas of Oconto, Shawano, Kewaunee, and Sturgeon Bay. 

Prenuptial Agreements in Wisconsin

A prenuptial agreement—also known as a prenup or premarital agreement—is a marital contract that unmarried couples often enter into before getting married. Generally, the prenup will list each person's property, finances, assets, and debts and determine how their assets will be handled or distributed in the event of a divorce or the death of one spouse. 

What Do Prenuptial Agreements Cover?

A premarital agreement can help unmarried couples cover the following matters: 

• premarital property and assets 

• each party's financial responsibility 

• instructions for property division in a divorce 

• business earnings 

• protections from the other spouse's debts and liabilities 

• provisions for keeping the family property or business in the family 

• provisions for children from a previous marriage or relationship 

• protections for estate plans 

• retirement assets, savings, and accounts 

What Don't They Cover?

However, a prenuptial agreement doesn't cover the following: 

• provisions that encourage divorce 

• decisions about child custody, child support, and visitation 

• relinquishing alimony or spousal support rights 

• the premarital debts of each spouse 

• provisions about matters that are against public policy or unlawful 

A seasoned prenuptial agreement attorney can walk you through the procedures involved in establishing or modifying a prenup and help you navigate crucial decisions. 

Can They Be Modified?

Yes, you're allowed to make adjustments to a prenuptial agreement once both parties agree to it. To "re-up a prenup," you can add to the original agreement or sign a separate contract which modifies the provisions and terms of the initial contract. 

Your attorney can help draft an addendum to the initial prenup. Also, the new prenuptial agreement must be witnessed and signed by you and your engaged partner. Once you sign the contract, it will become part of your prenup, and all new provisions will be reflected. 

Who Should Get One?

Prenuptial agreements are not only for the rich and wealthy, the upper class, or famous celebrities and couples. Here are some circumstances that may help you decide whether you should get a prenup: 

• You're entering the marriage with significantly more assets than your partner. 

• You are remarrying. 

• You own a personal business. 

• You or your partner are entering the marriage with huge debts or liabilities. 

• You or your partner are bringing property and assets into the marriage. 

• You or your partner have children from a previous marriage or relationship. 

• You want to protect your assets, finances, and future. 

Whether you have small assets, significant assets, or a business, you and your prospective spouse can benefit from getting a premarital agreement. 

Why Marital Agreements Are Important

You can achieve the following by establishing a marital agreement: 

• Have an honest, open conversation with your partner about the things that are most important to you. 

• Protect your estate plans. 

• Clarify each spouse's roles, expectations, and responsibilities. 

• Establish clear boundaries and help make your affairs easier later on. 

• Protect you from future uncertainties. 

• Make suitable provisions for minor children from previous marriages or relationships. 

• Protect your assets, family businesses, and inheritance. 

• Define how living expenses, household bills, and other finances will be managed. 

• Decide the division of property in a divorce. 

A knowledgeable lawyer can walk you through the legal steps involved in establishing a prenuptial agreement and help ensure that your prenup is legally-binding and enforceable. 

How Legal Counsel Can Help

Establishing a marital agreement allows prospective spouses to achieve financial security in their forthcoming marriage while preparing for life's uncertainties. However, drawing up a prenup usually involves several complexities and legal paperwork. Therefore, when considering a prenuptial agreement, you need to speak with a trusted family law attorney for proper guidance. 

James E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, has devoted his career to guiding individuals and couples through the complex procedures involved in premarital agreements. He can evaluate your unique situation and determine the prenuptial agreement that best fits your unique needs.